Heal it well.
Follow these tattoo aftercare instructions through the full healing window. Proper aftercare protects your investment, keeps colors vibrant, and prevents infection. The tattoo healing process unfolds in clear stages — here's exactly what to do at each one.
Days 1–3: The Open Wound Stage
Your new tattoo is an open wound. Expect oozing of plasma, ink, and a small amount of blood — this is normal. Swelling, redness, and warmth around the tattoo are all part of the early healing process.
Do
- Leave the initial bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as instructed if you have a Saniderm/second-skin wrap — up to 24 hours).
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, 2–3 times per day.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Never rub.
- Apply a paper-thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer (Aquaphor or unscented lotion).
- Sleep on clean sheets and try not to sleep directly on the tattoo.
Avoid
- Do not re-bandage after the first wrap comes off (unless using Saniderm as directed).
- No soaking — no baths, no swimming, no hot tubs.
- No direct sunlight on the tattoo.
- No tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo.
- No alcohol — it slows clotting and prolongs healing.
Week 1: Scabbing and Peeling Begins
Around days 3–6, the tattoo will start to dry out and form a light scab. You'll see flaking that looks like a sunburn shedding — often with bits of colored skin. Itching is normal. This is the tattoo healing process working exactly as it should.
Do
- Continue washing 2–3 times daily with mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Switch to a thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Eucerin).
- Let scabs fall off naturally as part of normal tattoo healing.
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water to support skin recovery.
Avoid
- Do not pick, scratch, or peel scabs — it pulls ink out and causes patchy healing.
- Do not over-moisturize. Suffocated skin heals poorly.
- No gym, sauna, or heavy sweating on the tattooed area.
- Still no submerging in water (showers are fine; baths are not).
Week 2: Itchy, Shiny, and Dull
Most flaking finishes between days 10 and 14. The tattoo may look dull, milky, or shiny — there's a new layer of skin growing over it. Itching can peak now. This 'second skin' phase is part of normal tattoo aftercare and the colors will brighten as healing completes.
Do
- Keep lightly moisturized 2–3 times daily.
- Slap (don't scratch) if it itches.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
Avoid
- Still no sun exposure or tanning beds.
- No swimming pools, oceans, lakes, or hot tubs.
- No new abrasive activities directly on the area.
Weeks 3–6: Full Healing
The outer skin is healed but deeper layers are still settling — full tattoo healing takes 4–6 weeks. The piece may still look slightly off until it fully cures.
Do
- Resume normal activity, gym, and swimming around week 3 if the tattoo is no longer flaking.
- Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen on the tattoo when outdoors — sun is the #1 cause of tattoo fading.
- Book a free touch-up within 6 months if any spots need a refresh.
Avoid
- Prolonged direct sun exposure without sunscreen.
- Picking at any lingering dry patches.
When to call a doctor
Tattoo infections are rare with proper aftercare but they happen. Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Spreading redness 48+ hours after the session
- Pus (yellow or green discharge) — plasma is clear, pus is not
- Fever, chills, or red streaks moving away from the tattoo
- Severe swelling that worsens after day 3
Printable aftercare sheet
The same instructions we hand you after your session.
